Financial and toy donations being accepted at drop boxes throughout the community
For a 33rd season, the Morris & Area Christmas Cheer Board is organizing donations and providing hampers for those less fortunate.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together in bringing a measure of joy and kindness to people’s lives,” said board co-chair Sherri Siemens, “The hampers are meant to be a support to those with low income or are going through financial struggles. [We service] mostly families and seniors living in the area.”
For at least the last 15 years, the Christmas Cheer Board has partnered with Morris Area Recreation Commission to bring Breakfast with Santa to the Morris Multiplex, a fundraising initiative for community members to support the campaign with donations while enjoying a hearty breakfast.
The annual event takes place this year on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon with a team of 10 volunteers making and serving pancakes, eggs, and sausages.
“Santa usually walks into the room around 9:30, ringing his bell, saying good morning to everyone,” smiled Arien Peterson, multiplex manager. “We’re excited that, following a brief hiatus, Mrs. Claus is expected to visit with families this year.”
Santa’s elves—players from the Twisters hockey team—will also be on site helping out with the breakfast. The Morris high school band will play holiday songs and The Lollipop Fairy & Friends will provide roaming entertainment and face painting free of charge.
Last year over 100 families had breakfast with Santa. Children have the opportunity to visit with Santa, have their photo taken, and receive a special Christmas treat.
Admission to the event is a new, unwrapped toy or a monetary donation for the Cheer Board.
If you are unable to attend Breakfast with Santa, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at several locations around Morris, including Essence Hair Salon, Morris Bigway, Home Hardware, the Town of Morris office, and Superthrifty Pharmacy.
“We depend on the faithful and generous cash and toy donations of businesses and individuals,” shared Siemens. “Every child [in a household gifted a hamper] receives a new, donated and then wrapped toy.”
In previous years between 110 and 137 individuals and families in and around the communities of Lowe Farm, Morris, and Rosenort have received hampers.
“We expect a similar outcome this year,” said Siemens.
If you or someone you know would benefit from a hamper this holiday season, the application form and full details can be found online at townofmorris.ca/cheerboard. Deadline to apply is Dec. 11.
Hampers will be packed on Dec. 13 by volunteers, with pick-up or delivery taking place on Saturday, Dec. 14. A full Christmas meal, basic grocery staples, and gifts for children in the household are included.
Anyone wanting to contribute their time to Christmas Cheer can email morrisareachristmascheer@gmail.com. For those interested in helping during Breakfast with Santa, contact Meagan Dilts at 204-746-2832 or recreation@townofmorris.ca.
Donations to the Morris & Area Christmas Cheer can be made by cheque payable to the Town of Morris or e-transfer to recreation@townofmorris.ca.
